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Humanity in Action Fellowship Awardees Work Toward Social Justice at Home and Abroad

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

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A Pitt student and alumna explored today’s most challenging global humanitarian issues in Europe this summer as 2018 Humanity in Action Fellows.

The fellowship highlights models of action in social justice and examines the social and political roots of discrimination on a global scale. While abroad, fellows explore contemporary issues through the historical foundations of World War II and the holocaust.

Aditya Mittal (left) looked at xenophobia, racism and minority issues in Berlin. He’s a junior neuroscience major with a minor in chemistry. In addition to lab research, he’s also working to build awareness about lead poising in Pittsburgh communities. He plans to go to medical school before advancing a career in public health and policy.

Daria Sullivan (A&S ’17) explored human rights in Copenhagen, Denmark. She is a 2017 graduate with a BA in theatre arts and communication, and has used her platform as an artist and performer to share about social justice issues. At Pitt, her work prompted discussions about issues like racial bias, and she hopes to inspire social change by continuing to portray thoughtful stories.

Walid Gellad, associate professor of medicine and health policy and director of Pitt’s Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing, is using machine-learning algorithms to predict who is at risk of opioid misuse and overdose.

In a recent study, led by chair of psychology Julie Fiez, researchers taught adults “HouseFont” — a hieroglyphic-like language based on photos of homes — then scanned the language-learning areas of participants’ brains. What they found adds to a growing body of knowledge on how adults process written languages.

Props, screenplays, script notes and more — Pitt now has more than 50 years’ worth of items from George A. Romero, the filmmaker who revolutionized the horror genre, beginning with “Night of the Living Dead.” The new collection marks a growth in horror studies resources available to scholars and the public.

The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance honored Pitt with top rankings, and 2017 brought important rankings from additional national organizations.

Britt Baker has won several wrestling championships. But this spring, she expects to claim an even bigger title: doctor of dental medicine. See her interview on "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown" as the show explores eclectic corners of Pittsburgh, airing Oct. 22.

Jesse Irwin (A&S '17) wanted to start a late-night talk show at Pitt. With a student crew and film studies Assistant Professor Robert Clift's support, he made it happen in three months — and snagged an Emmy nod.